A comprehensive ranking of the highest-earning mixed martial artists based on official fight purses, win bonuses, and UFC performance incentives. This list highlights athletes who have maximized their income through championship belts, title defenses, and standout performances in the Octagon.
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Widely regarded as the highest-earning MMA fighter in history, McGregor's income stems from massive PPV splits, lucrative sponsorship deals, and record-breaking fight purses for bouts like UFC 229 and UFC 257. His brand value allows him to command unprecedented financial terms.
As a former multiple-time heavyweight and light-heavyweight champion, Jones has accumulated immense wealth through title fights against elite competition. His recent return to the division continues to generate high payout structures due to his status as a flagship athlete for the promotion.
The undefeated lightweight legend earned significant purses during his dominant reign, particularly for high-profile bouts against Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier. His clean record and undefeated status commanded premium pay-per-view revenue shares throughout his career.
Poirier has consistently been among the top earners through a mix of high-bout purses and performance bonuses, especially after winning Fight of the Night awards. His rivalry with McGregor and multiple title shots have solidified his position as a financial cornerstone of the lightweight division.
The former welterweight champion earned substantial income through multiple title defenses against top contenders like Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. His status as a dominant champion for several years guaranteed high base purses and significant PPV revenue shares.
Oliveira holds the record for most submission wins and has earned substantial bonuses through his exciting fighting style. His lucrative contract for the heavyweight title fight against Islam Makhachev and previous lightweight title wins highlight his high earning potential.
The former middleweight champion capitalized on high-profile title defenses against Robert Whittaker and Alex Pereira. His charismatic personality and marketability have translated into higher payout structures, particularly during his reign as one of the division's most popular fighters.
While individual payouts vary, standout performers from Dana White's Contender Series often secure lucrative rookie contracts with signing bonuses. Fighters like Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje were not DWS graduates, but newer talents frequently receive $50k-$100k signing bonuses plus per-fight pay.
The former middleweight and welterweight double champion earned massive payouts during his comebacks against Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler. His star power and ability to sell tickets allowed him to negotiate some of the highest purses in UFC history during his second stint.
Miocic commanded high purses for his heavyweight title reign, including historic bouts against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. His status as a veteran champion and consistent draw at the heavyweight division ensured he received top-tier compensation for his title defenses.
Ngannou's payout for his heavyweight title unification fight against Jon Jones and his departure for boxing highlights his immense earning potential. During his UFC tenure, he commanded the highest purses in the heavyweight division due to his knockout power and marketability.
The former featherweight and lightweight champion earned significant income through his dominant reign and high-profile matchups against Max Holloway and Chan Sung Jung. His ability to headline major events contributed to his substantial career earnings.
Holloway has earned extensive bonuses and high purses through his exciting fighting style and numerous Fight of the Night awards. His title unification bout against Volkanovski and consistent top-tier matchups have kept his earnings among the highest in the featherweight division.
Known as 'The Lioness,' Nunes earned record-breaking purses for her bantamweight and featherweight title defenses. Her status as a dominant champion in two weight classes allowed her to negotiate some of the highest payouts for female fighters in UFC history.
Jones's recent comeback has involved lucrative contract extensions and high purses for his heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane. His return to the sport has reinforced his position as one of the most financially rewarded athletes in combat sports.
Makhachev has seen rising earnings as the dominant lightweight champion, securing high purses for his title wins against Charles Oliveira. His undefeated record and commanding style have positioned him for increasingly lucrative future deals.
The former bantamweight champion has quickly risen in earnings due to his charisma and high PPV draws. His bout against Aljamain Sterling and subsequent title defenses have generated significant income, reflecting his status as a modern star of the division.
Shevchenko earned substantial purses during her long reign as bantamweight champion, including multiple title defenses against competitors like Lauren Murphy and Jessica Andrade. Her consistency and longevity in the title picture contributed to her high career earnings.
The former welterweight champion commanded high payouts during his reign, particularly for his title fights against Robbie Lawler. Although his later career earnings fluctuated, his peak years saw him receive some of the highest purses in the welterweight division.
Covington has maintained high earnings through consistent title eliminator bouts and high-profile matchups against Kamaru Usman. His role as a perennial challenger and his ability to sell tickets have ensured he remains among the top earners in the welterweight division.